UTSA's quarterback Dalton Sturm, right, hugs running back Tyrell Clay after Clay scores a touchdown during UTSA's game against Old Dominion at the Alamodome in San Antonio on Saturday, November 7, 2015.

UTSA's quarterback Dalton Sturm, right, hugs running back Tyrell Clay after Clay scores a touchdown during UTSA's game against Old Dominion at the Alamodome in San Antonio on Saturday, November 7, 2015.

Photo: Matthew Busch, Photographer / For The San Antonio Express-News

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UTSA coach Frank Wilson leads his team on the field for the New Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque on Dec. 17, 2016.

UTSA coach Frank Wilson leads his team on the field for the New Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque on Dec. 17, 2016.

Photo: Andres Leighton /Associated Press

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UTSA quarterback Dalton Sturm under center during the opening day of spring practice on March 6, 2017.

UTSA quarterback Dalton Sturm under center during the opening day of spring practice on March 6, 2017.

Photo: Marvin Pfeiffer /San Antonio Express-News

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UTSA linebacker Josiah Tauaefa goes through drills during the opening day of spring practice on March 6, 2017.

UTSA linebacker Josiah Tauaefa goes through drills during the opening day of spring practice on March 6, 2017.

Photo: Marvin Pfeiffer /San Antonio Express-News

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Five things to watch at UTSA's spring game

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Frank Wilson said his team's Orange-White game will serve as a test of sorts for his team as it concludes spring practice.

"It's the final exam as we conclude the spring, but the year isn't over," the UTSA coach said. "We're at the second quarter. The summer will be the third quarter and then the true finals will happen in fall camp as we lead into Sept. 2 (UTSA's opener against Houston)."

Work in Saturday's game at Dub Farris Stadium will go a long way to firming up the team's depth chart leaving the spring. But as Wilson likes to say, his depth chart is continually "etched in sand."

"I don't know necessarily if it locks up any position," Wilson said. "It counts tremendously because its an assessment for us and an evaluation for us and a continued one. And so it's critical so we continue to improve as we go along with it. There are great opportunities to improve yourself (for players) and help the team."

Among the players who will miss Saturday's game will include offensive lineman Austin Pratt, wide receiver Larry Stephens, tackle Zach Pare, fullback Halen Steward and safety Nate Gaines. Starting running back Jalen Rhodes' playing time will be monitored.

Here are five items to watch closely as the team finishes its spring work at the spring game.

Can the defense keep the recent turnover feeding frenzy going? -- The most impressive part of earlier spring work has been the productivity of the UTSA defense, which struggled forcing big plays last season. The Roadrunners had only one defensive turnover over the final four games in 2016. Wilson has placed a big emphasis on producing more turnovers this spring and the defense has responded by notching five turnovers at two different practices. With those big plays, Wilson is also demanding more accountability in protecting the ball from his offense. It will be interesting to see which side of the ball gets the advantage at Saturday's practice.

Time for Tyrell Clay to shine -- Wilson has been pleased with the work of the former Corpus Christi Miller standout throughout spring camp. With Rhodes' playing time limited and heralded freshman BJ Daniels set to arrive this summer, Saturday's spring game will be an ideal chance for Clay to take advantage of the most playing time he'll be able to have to showcase his abilities. It's a big day for him.

Youthful O-line gets its chance -- The offensive line has been in flux this season for the Roadrunners, who are already replacing starting tackles Jevonte Domond and Gabriel Casillas from last season and will be playing without Pratt. Keep an eye out for massive junior-college transfer Josh Dunlop, who should have a shot to nail down one of the tackle spots. With increased talent along the defensive front, it could be a challenge for the UTSA offense in the trenches in Saturday's game.

Live kicking -- We'll get a chance to watch some live returns, although there will be no tackling in those segments of Saturday's game. But it will still give the Roadrunners a chance to show off the talents of players like Matt Guidry, Marquez McNair and others. Remember UTSA has never brought back a kickoff for a touchdown in school history. Maybe 2017 could be the year.

What kind of reaction the team receives from fans -- After last season's first bowl trip, there seems to be more excitement about the 2017 team than in any UTSA season since the first one in 2011. Playing at Farris Stadium will be nearer to the school and also closer to most of its season ticket holders. UTSA won't be bucking against any specific Fiesta events and the Spurs don't play until later in the evening. Admission and parking will be free. So the chances would appear strong for the Roadrunners to attract several thousand fans for Saturday's game.